Kamal has overcome a lot in his life. During his senior year of high school, he was t-boned by a school bus and in a coma and on life support for over one year. He had a traumatic brain injury and the doctors told his parents he would never walk or talk again.
Kamal proved the doctors wrong.
He came out of the coma, and was in rehabilitation for ten years, 
where he learned to walk and talk again. He moved to Florida, attended college, and received an Associate Degree in Computer Graphics. He had a son and was stay-at-home dad until he moved back to Milwaukee and applied for Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) services.
Kamal was referred by his DVR Counselor to Goodwill’s Employment Services where the team finds opportunities and employment matches based on job openings and individuals’ skill sets. Lisa Norman, Supervisor/ Employment Specialist, met with Kamal because he did not have any real work history. She talked with him about his job interests and he expressed interest in participating in the Culinary Training program at Goodwill, to gain skills and a work reference, to which the DVR counselor agreed.
Lisa connected with Ben and Kristen from MOD Pizza who came to Goodwill for a tour where Lisa introduced them to Kamal. MOD Pizza is a second-chance employer that believes in fresh starts and celebrates diversity and self-expression, genuine hearts and individual spirits who are committed to enjoying life’s journey. Giving back to the communities they serve is part of their purpose driven mission at MOD. Kamal was very impressed with MOD and the fact that they have room for advancement and continued learning. Lisa assisted with applying, setting up interviews, and new-hire paperwork.
Kamal graduated from Culinary Training on February 8, 2019 and began working as a Squad Member with MOD on February 25, 2019. He works 25-30 hours per week as he only wants to be part time.
“The Culinary Training program was a great experience; there were good instructors and learning was presented in a way my mind could absorb it," Kamal said.
Goodwill’s Employment Services team finds opportunities and employment matches based on job openings and individuals’ skill sets. Click here to learn more about this program.
